Launched in 2011 with a crossing of the English Channel, TOWT’s adventure took a decisive turn in 2024. Since its inception, the company has aimed to rely on its own fleet of sailing cargo ships, and this dream is now coming true with the commissioning of its first two vessels, Anemos and Artemis. This first year has already helped validate the concept, with an equally ambitious plan to launch six more cargo ships by 2027.
2025 had a rocky start for TOWT. In February, the company learned that the new social security finance law would remove a tax exemption dating back to 2016. This loss would increase its costs by « about 25% » according to Guillaume Legrand, co-founder and CEO of the Havre-based company. Infuriated, the CEO threatened a radical change: « The government gives us no option, it’s either death or leaving the French flag. » It seems he was heard. On April 1st, during a question session at the National Assembly, Agnès Firmin Le Bodo (member of Parliament for Seine-Maritime) raised the issue, and the government committed to revising the cuts to tax exemptions during the next budgetary debate.
However, this battle does not tarnish the positive first report from TOWT, which, after the first crossings of Anemos and Artemis, seems satisfied with the efficiency of its model. The maritime company, based in Le Havre, proudly announced in a statement that it has « reached a key milestone towards sustainable maritime transport. » It also shared some figures for this first campaign, including 9 voyages covering more than 33,407 nautical miles, stops in 5 countries (France, the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Brazil), and over 350,000 products transported by sail (champagne, wine, tea and coffee bags, as well as internet boxes and other goods). The reduction in CO2 emissions appears effective, with an announced saving of 300,000 kg of CO2, equating to « less than 2g CO2/t/km, a reduction of more than 95% compared to conventional transport. »
These first voyages also allowed the shipping company to fine-tune its performance. The record? A 16-day crossing between New York and Le Havre this winter for Artemis (the second vessel in the fleet), which reached a peak speed of 16 knots.
TOWT Aims to Accelerate Further
With these early successes, TOWT seems determined to continue its development and investments. Six new ships (Atlantis, Atlas, Archimedes, Asterias, Aries, Athenais) were ordered in April 2024 and will join the fleet by 2027, bringing the total to 8 vessels. A busy agenda for 2025.
In 2025, Trans Oceanic Wind Transport hopes to continue its momentum with a packed year ahead: 28 voyages are scheduled to 6 destinations: Le Havre (the ships’ home port), New York (to strengthen transatlantic exchanges), Pointe-à-Pitre (to establish a presence in the Caribbean), as well as Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil, to open new trade routes.
In parallel, TOWT is exploring new stops for 2026: Mexico, Houston, Quebec, the Mediterranean (Toulon > Tunis), and Fort-de-France. The company is also working to improve its ships’ performance by creating a routing division and optimizing its engines. Finally, a passenger transport service will be launched, with 5 cabins available on the Le Havre – New York route.
Source: voilesetvoiliers
